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Although a feeling of disappointment was felt because the conference did not come up with a binding agreement to deal with climate change, the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) was able to adopt a decision taking note of the “Copenhagen Accordâ€?. a Three page document drawn up by the USA, China, India, Brazil and South Africa. You can find a link to this document and various other reports and documents on Copenhagen December 2009 on the Agricultural Business Chamber’s website.

Agriculture is a major source of global greenhouse gas emissions accounting for over 10% of global anthropogenic emissions, in particular in the areas of methane and nitrous oxide. Without abatement measures, emissions are likely to climb, among others due to population growth and changing food consumption patterns. In order not to compromise other key challenges, such as global food security, it is essential to look for “win-win policies�. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness of measures should be key considerations for policy makers. Significant emissions reductions and priority focus should also be sought in sectors, e.g. coal-fired electricity generation, where abatement is more cost-effective than compared to other sectors.

Possible mitigation measures include a wide range of issues, such as improved farming techniques, using “cleaner� energy, carbon sinks, etc. However, many mitigation options entail additional costs to farmers, calling for cost-effectiveness to be given the highest attention. In the ABC’s view, innovation will need to play a key role for mitigating emissions from agriculture. Innovation should be defined broadly, i.e. not only related to technology, but also services, farming practices and behaviour along the supply chain. In this context, the spread and adoption of technology and innovative approaches needs to be given the highest attention.
This is an excerpt from the Agricultural Business Chamber presentation to the portfolio committee in Parliament on the agribusinesses’ position on climate change. The presentation is available for download on the ABC website

Climate change adaptation priorities for most African countries center around:
• Agriculture and animal husbandry: By implementing the African Green Revolution countries can double food yields through the application of improved seeds and fertilizer, increase rural incomes and strengthen
the resilience of communities towards climate change. Malawi and other countries have shown how much can be achieved in little time through programs that enhance access to key agricultural inputs. Yet, investing in inputs will not be enough, as increased climate volatility and changing precipitation patterns will require substantial investments
in irrigation and water storage infrastructure, agricultural R&D and extension workers to avert a potentially dramatic fall in agricultural output. Importantly, some 43% of Africa is comprised of drylands where livestock rearing is the dominant source of livelihoods. These communities stand to be particularly affected by climate change and
will require increased investments in water management infrastructure and forage production.
• Water and other infrastructure: Urgent investments are needed to improve water resource management and to avert threats to water supply for household, agricultural, as well as industrial use. Likewise, investments in energy infrastructure must consider the possible consequences of changes in precipitation patterns on hydroelectric
power potential. As a top priority, urban water, power and transport infrastructure needs to be thoroughly climateproofed.
• Disease management and health systems: To avert a possible expansion of infectious diseases health systems need to be strengthened and investments must be made in infectious disease control through vaccinations, residual indoor spraying and other means of vector control, and expanded access to efficacious treatment.
• Natural resource management: Key ecosystems such as wetlands, drylands, mangroves, forests, and lakes will be put under substantial stress by climate change. Only careful management can avoid the worst consequences and ensure the long-term sustenance of critical ecosystem services that are central to economic development and human well-being. As just one example, improved watershed management including a substantial reduction in upstream soil degradation and erosion is required across much of Africa to reap maximum benefits from investments in hydropower resources.
Read more on Climate Change and the affect on Africa on the ABC website. This is an excerpt from a brief that was prepared by the APP Secretariat A longer version of the brief is available at www.africaprogresspanel.org.